Anterior Drawer Test

The anterior drawer test is more of a historical test rather than an actual useful clinical test. It was originally felt that it was positive when there was an ACL tear, however the amount of increased translation at 90° with an isolated ACL tear compared to the contralateral side is quite minimal. In fact, the amount of increased anterior translation is the least at 90° compared to all knee flexion angles between 0°-90°. The anterior drawer may be positive in patients who have a lack of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus and an ACL tear. Thus, the anterior drawer may be more useful in patients where there is a concern of significantly increased anterior translation on their Lachman’s test and it will help to assess for the possible lack of integrity of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus.

The anterior drawer test is performed with the knee flexed to between 80°-90 °, and the knee completely relaxed. The foot must be stabilized by either sitting on it or placing ones hand, or an assistant’s hand, against it. The tibia is then translated anteriorly in neutral rotation, with a firm and gentle grip. A gentle to-and-fro motion should be performed to determine if there is increased anterior translation compared to the normal contralateral side.

NOTICE: Effective June 1, 2019, Dr. LaPrade will be practicing at Twin Cities Orthopedics in both the Edina and Eagan Minnesota Clinics and Surgery Centers

I can't say enough good things about Dr. LaPrade. His dedication to excellence and his passion for creating the best outcomes for patients is evident in everything he does. I had a double-bundle PCL reconstruction using autografts in AUG '18. It's 6 months later, and I'm progressing well. My stress x-rays indicate a successful surgery, and I'm able to cycle and jog (under controlled circumstances) again. I feel like Dr. LaPrade's expertise has given me the opportunity to return to my active lifestyle with confidence in my knee and surrounding muscles. I am grateful to him, his staff, and the highly skilled PT's at Howard Head for getting me back on my feet and doing the things I love. Thank you!

I've had three knee surgeries with Dr. LaPrade, two of which were highly complex reconstructive surgeries. He's amazing! Besides being one of the best knee surgeons in the country, he's really compassionate. There are jerseys hung up all over the walls from famous athletes that he's operated on, and he's the knee surgeon for the Olympic ski team, and yet he never treated me as less important than them even though I'm only fifteen and have no Olympic prospects. Also, everyone at Steadman clinic is really great, and so are all the physical therapists at Howard Head. If you have surgery with Dr. LaPrade, expect amazing care from the entire team. I'm so grateful that I was able to have my surgeries with Dr. LaPrade! He did an excellent job, and now my surgical knee is stronger and more flexible than my other one. Thank you!

Dr LaPrade, Vail Hospital, Howard Head physical therapy and the ENTIRE team are the BEST!!! After 6 failed knee surgeries in Tulsa that left me with almost no knee motion or hope for any in the future, I found a HERO and miracle working Surgeon who literally performed my LAST surgery that gave me my knee motion and life back as I have nearly PERFECT motion now! He’s one of the most caring, kind, compassionate, and skillful complex knee surgeons you will ever find with an equally skilled and caring team from check in to surgery and follow up!! Thank GOD for all of you!!! Cameron Arthur, Chief of Police, Jenks, Oklahoma

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I can't say enough good things about Dr. LaPrade. His dedication to excellence and his passion for creating the best outcomes for patients is evident in everything he does. I had a double-bundle PCL reconstruction using autografts in AUG '18. It's 6 months later, and I'm progressing well. My stress x-rays indicate a successful surgery, and I'm able to cycle and jog (under controlled circumstances) again. I feel like Dr. LaPrade's expertise has given me the opportunity to return to my active lifestyle with confidence in my knee and surrounding muscles. I am grateful to him, his staff, and the highly skilled PT's at Howard Head for getting me back on my feet and doing the things I love. Thank you!

"Dr Laprade operated me after my father took me to the Steadman Clinic, and having been operated once before in MX, he rebuilt my knee and made me fully functional since then. A very human Physician, and incredible care." - Galia S.

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